Ellsworth and Evans

Town Historian Paul Perreault gave us another talk on Thursday about Malta's most famous hero,  and his connection to a locally notorious modern killer.  Gary Evans stole the bronze eagle from the top of Elmer Ellsworth's grave marker in Hudson View Cemetery near Mechanicville, but fortunately it was recovered and put back there.

Invasive

Kristopher Williams addresses last week's meeting about his work combating invasive species, in order to protect native plants, forestry and agriculture. Kris is coordinator of the Capital Mohawk Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). He works out of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ballston Spa, funded by a state grant, on issues like fighting the hemlock wooly adelgid (which has killed many trees in the Carolinas), and educating people about the problems associated with burning bush, an ornamental shrub.

State of the State

New York Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, a member of Malta Sunrise Rotary, addressed the club at Thursday's meeting, staying late to engage in discussion and answer questions (one was about the job cuts at GlobalFoundries). She covered a wide range of issues, including the potential legalization of marijuana and sports betting, health care reform, bail reform, and the political balance in the state Senate.

New Schools Superintendent in Ballston Spa

Ken Slentz, new superintendent of the Ballston Spa School District, addresses Thursday's meeting of Malta Sunrise Rotary.

He talked about his extensive background in education, and getting started here, putting in a plug for the $24 million bond referendum coming up on Oct. 16, to fund Phase 3 of the district's master plan. Malta voters who are residents of the Ballston Spa district will be able to vote at Town Hall.

"We have some stigma breaking to do," Slentz said, referring to trades and BOCES programs.

In other business, the club on Tuesday helped the Red Cross collect about 40 units in a successful blood drive at the Malta Community Center, with several members giving blood as well as helping organize the event.

Williams' Word

President-Elect Mike Williams, right, takes a question from Darren O'Connor, left, at our Rotary meeting this morning.

Roundabout Malta

Paul Loomis, president of the Roundabout Runners Club, was our speaker Thursday. Among other things, Paul talked about his plans to do needed maintenance work at the 100 Acre Wood in the Luther Forest Technology Campus. Watch this space for volunteer opportunities to help him do this.

From Selma to Albany

Last week's speaker, the Rev. Jim Cortelyou, left, with Rotarian Paul Phillips. Jim spoke about his experiences during the civil rights movement in Selma, Alabama, and his more recent participation in civil disobedience in Albany, NY.